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Overfishing of sea cucumbers in the Great Barrier Reef has placed some species at the risk of extinction, a new study has found.

Researchers compared Australia’s management of sea cucumber fishing in the Great Barrier Reef to fishing practices in low-income, developing countries and found similarities in the pattern of exploitation.

The study found that granting few fishing licences over a large expanse of ocean failed to safeguard sustainable sea cucumber harvests.

Sea cucumbers are a popular feature of Chinese cuisine and rare species are seen as of high value.